Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Company Cline Bettridge Bernstein
Lead Designers Francesca Bettridge, Michael Hennes, Jiyoung Lee
Completion Date July 2018
Project Location New Orleans, Louisiana
Entry DescriptionThe design intent for this Business School’s expansion was to put education on display, making the learning process engaging. A 42,000 SF addition that links two existing buildings is distinguished by a large, three-story, curving glass wall.
To emphasize the expanse of space, the atrium is lit with a single gesture. Continuous lines of light span the ceiling, perpendicular to the fritted window. The linear fixtures create a bold graphic that strengthens the reading of the curved façade.
The atrium is anchored at both ends by the insertion of glass pods containing three floors of classrooms. Two lighting strategies accentuate these structures. The glow from large lighting coves in the ceilings can be seen through the fritted glass, transforming the triple-height pods into lanterns. In addition, color-changing RGBW grazers add visual interest and set the pods off from the atrium space.
To meet sustainability goals, the lighting is controlled by a daylight harvesting dimming system incorporating photo-sensors.
Throughout, the lighting composition energizes the learning experience. Dramatic, expressive solutions respond to a human scale with architectural form and seamless detailing.
